Crime Quote by Desmond Tutu
“Retributive justice is one that says clobber him or clobber her because they clobbered me. So it emphasizes punishment.”
About This Quote
Source Interview: Human Rights Discussion, 1995
He defines retributive justice as punishment matching the crime, emphasizing a tit-for-tat approach.
In simple terms: Justice as equal retaliation.
Key Takeaway
Question the fairness of retaliation.
Themes
justice
punishment
ethics
retribution
Mood
critical
thoughtful
Type
ethical
philosophical
When to use this quote
- court rulings
- victim advocacy
- policy making
Key Concepts
moral philosophy
legal theory
restorative justice
Questions to Reflect On
- Is punishment always the best response?
- What alternatives exist to retributive justice?
A Different Perspective
May ignore rehabilitation and perpetuate cycles of violence.
![“[On Senator Jesse Helms] I think he ought to be worried about what's going on in the Good Lord's mind, because if there is retributive justice, he'll get AIDS from a transfusion, or one of his grandchildren will.” quote by Nina Totenberg](https://sms4smile.com/quotes/img-quotes/5e5/nina-totenberg-35290_aids_on-senator-jesse-helms-i-think-he-ought_2073815.jpg)
